“We have been conducting investigations in the PRC for three months as part of our ongoing intellectual-property enforcement program. The raids are a result of evidence those investigations obtained,” said Bob Fay, Director of Government Relations.

“China is the source of much of the illegally manufactured hardware and software, and these actions yesterday are just the tip of the iceberg for our China enforcement programme.”

The companies raided were EXL Electronics, Chengtai Electronic Technology, Totem Amusement and Guangzhou Xipu Electronics – all in the Panyu district – and Jingge Computer Science and Technology in Guangzhou. Twenty-five AIC officers took part in the raids and an additional 150 police officers were called to the scene, where over 250 illegal gaming machines were located at one of the raid sites.

The AIC fined one of the targets on the spot for possession of copies containing Merit’s intellectual property. Subsequent fines could be levied against the other companies.

Numerous records were also seized. “The records will assist us in identifying importers of Merit copies in several other countries,” stated Fay.

“The raids were very successful and we appreciate the cooperation we received from the AIC and the local police. The raids were carefully planned and are yielding valuable information. We will continue working with the AIC and the local police and we will also be working with Chinese Customs. We are confident that the AIC will keep tabs on the companies raided,” he added.

For more than 27 years, Merit has ensured long-term return on investment for operators by providing continually high-earning equipment, along with updates and upgrades for its products.

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